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Staff not washing hands and 'very poor' cleaning standards at Canterbury’s Eleto Chocolate

14:59, 04 December 2023

updated: 12:03, 05 December 2023

A late-night cafe has come under fire after inspectors discovered “very poor” cleaning standards and staff failing to wash their hands.

Canterbury City Council also found out-of-date food and allergy advice at Eleto Chocolate in the city centre during a recent probe.

The Eleto Chocolate Cafe in Canterbury was given a two-star hygiene rating
The Eleto Chocolate Cafe in Canterbury was given a two-star hygiene rating

The popular student spot has been handed a two-star hygiene rating just more than a year after making headlines for an absurd marketing campaign.

Ahead of Freshers Week last September, the Guildhall Street venue in Canterbury found itself facing a fierce public reaction after naming one of its cocktails "GET YA T**S OUT".

Now, Eleto Chololate Cafe, which also has a branch in Folkestone, has been ordered to clean up its act and properly train staff ahead of a reinspection.

Staff were found not to be washing their hands between tasks by Canterbury City Council workers.

Out-of-date food items were also found and food such as bacon was left out on the counter - rather than being refrigerated.

The report obtained by KentOnline states: “The standard of cleaning throughout the kitchen and basement is very poor.

“You must thoroughly clean, declutter and implement an effective, comprehensive cleaning schedule.

Staff at Eleto Chocolate Cafe in Guildhall Street, Canterbury were found not to be washing their hands between tasks
Staff at Eleto Chocolate Cafe in Guildhall Street, Canterbury were found not to be washing their hands between tasks

“Do not assume work has been done because they have ticked a box.”

Inspectors also say the repair and condition of the fridge-freezers are very poor.

The condition of the walls, floor and shelving to the servery were also described as “poor” but the report’s author noted they are all due to be replaced as part of a refurbishment.

“Keep the wash hand basin empty as it is for hand wash use only,” the inspector added.

“Staff are using it for cleaning equipment.

Out-of-date food items were also found at the Eleto Chocolate Cafe, Canterbury
Out-of-date food items were also found at the Eleto Chocolate Cafe, Canterbury

“It is a good idea to provide an additional sink in here.”

Containers were being used to store equipment and bosses were told the fridges and freezers must be replaced.

“Staff must be reminded to wash hands between tasks.

“Staff involved in food prep must wear uniforms.

“[You must] have up-to-date allergen information in printed form for staff and customers.

Food hygiene inspectors visited the Eleto Chocolate Cafe in Canterbury
Food hygiene inspectors visited the Eleto Chocolate Cafe in Canterbury

“Out-of-date food items found. Make sure a shelf life of three days is applied to food and dispose of out-of-date food.

“Keep foods such as bacon refrigerated - it was on the counter at the time of the visit.”

Eleto Chocolate Cafe has been contacted for comment.

Last year, the late-night cafe was accused of sexism after naming one of its cocktails "GET YA T**S OUT".

Bosses created the new drink ahead of thousands of new students arriving in the city for Freshers week.

But the business faced scathing criticism after promoting the beverage on Facebook, with one regular customer vowing not to return.

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